Multi-layer golf ball with translucent cover

Abstract

A golf ball comprising a core, a cover and at least on intermediate layer therebetween. The intermediate layer includes pigment which contributes to the color or appearance of the ball and the cover is at least partially transparent such that the intermediate layer is at least partially visible. The cover is also comprised of an optical enhancer.

1. A golf ball comprising a core, a cover and at least one intermediate layer provided between the core and the cover,
 wherein the intermediate layer is comprised of pigment which contributes to the color of the ball, the cover is at least partially transparent or translucent, and at least one of the intermediate or cover layers comprises reflective or optically active particulates having faces that have an individual reflectance of at least 75%. 
 
   
   
     2. The golf ball of  claim 1 , wherein the reflective material comprises at least one member selected from the group consisting of metal flake, iridescent glitter, metallized film and colored polyester foil. 
   
   
     3. The golf ball of  claim 1 , wherein the reflective particles have faces that have an individual reflectance of at least 95%. 
   
   
     4. The golf ball of  claim 3 , wherein the reflective particles have faces that have an individual reflectance of 99 to 100%. 
   
   
     5. The golf ball of  claim 1 , wherein the reflective particles have a size of 0.1 to 1.0 mm. 
   
   
     6. The golf ball of  claim 5 , wherein the reflective particles have a size of 0.2 to 0.8 mm. 
   
   
     7. The golf ball of  claim 6 , wherein the reflective particles have a size of 0.25 to 0.5 mm. 
   
   
     8. The golf ball of  claim 1 , wherein one of the intermediate and cover layers comprises a pearlescent pigment. 
   
   
     9. The golf ball of  claim 1 , wherein the intermediate layer pigment comprises a pastel shade. 
   
   
     10. The golf ball of  claim 9 , wherein the intermediate layer pigment comprises a color selected from the group consisting of white, blue, green and yellow. 
   
   
     11. The golf ball of  claim 1 , wherein the cover has a total thickness of about 0.02 to about 0.35 inches. 
   
   
     12. The golf ball of  claim 1 , wherein the cover has a hardness of about 40 to about 65 Shore D. 
   
   
     13. The golf ball of  claim 12 , wherein the cover has a hardness of about 55 to about 65 Shore D. 
   
   
     14. The golf ball of  claim 1 , wherein the core has a compression of about 40 to about 80.